Church, gov’t partnership necessary for welfare of Filipinos—Rosales

A retired official of the Catholic Church believes that the partnership between the Church and State is necessary since both are serving the same people. (Photo: National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe/Facebook)

MANILA—A retired official of the Catholic Church believes that the partnership between the Church and State is necessary since both are serving the same people.

Manila Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales noted that a strong bond between the two will be good for the country.

“Church and State leaders must always work together because they are serving the same people,” the cardinal said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

He added, “It cannot be done separately because, whether rich or poor, the Church and the State serve the same people.”

Rosales said that both are after the welfare of the public.

“The State helps the people materially while the Church does so spiritually and morally. They are linked to each other in helping the people,” he explained.

President Rodrigo Duterte has criticized leaders of Catholic Church in the country due to their opposition to various government policies such as the war against drugs the move for the revival of the death penalty.